CBSE issued a notification dated 9 April 2026 clarifying the language provisions for Classes IX and X for the 2026–27 academic session. For schools and parents, the most important change is the introduction of the R1/R2 structure for new Class IX students.
What applies to Class X in 2026–27?
Students in Class X during 2026–27 will continue with the same languages they studied in Class IX in 2025–26. The assessment scheme followed in Class IX will continue for their Class X year.
What applies to Class IX in 2026–27?
For Class IX students, CBSE states that R1 may be chosen from Hindi, English, Urdu or Kannada.
R2 may be any other language from the remaining languages offered by CBSE, provided it is different from the language chosen as R1. The same language cannot be taken as both R1 and R2.
How must Language 1 and Language 2 be combined?
If Language 1 is chosen at R1 level, Language 2 must be at R2 level. Conversely, if Language 1 is at R2 level, Language 2 must be at R1 level.
What about a third language?
R3 is not applicable at Class IX level until the academic session 2029–30. However, an optional third language at R1/R2 level may be taken in Class IX until 2028–29, subject to CBSE’s notified options.
What changed for English Communicative?
CBSE states that English Communicative has been discontinued for Class IX from 2026–27 onwards. There will be one course titled English. Students already in Class X in 2026–27 who had chosen Communicative English in Class IX may continue with it.
What about regional languages?
According to the notification, regional languages other than Kannada are currently offered only at R2 level. Kannada can be offered at both R1 and R2 because level-appropriate SCERT textbooks are available.
What schools should do now
- Review current Class IX language combinations.
- Communicate the R1/R2 structure clearly to parents.
- Check the latest CBSE Curriculum Document and Scheme of Studies before finalising subject combinations.
- Ensure textbook selection matches the permitted level.
This article summarises the CBSE notification dated 9 April 2026. Schools should always verify the latest official CBSE curriculum documents before making final subject-allocation decisions.